Desarrollo energético en América Latina y la economía mundial

TOWARDS A LATIN AMERICAN ENERGY POLICY Michael Nelson Director Divisi6n oE Natural Resources and Environment, CEP AL In this di,scussion 1 would like to touch upon a few aspects of a re– gional approaiCh to energy poliey in Latin America. A reeurring theme in this seminar has been, what policies can countries adopt -particu– larly oil-deficit countries- to eounter or absorb adverse effects arising from changes in the world energy market? Professor Claro raised the issue of energy independence at the national level. These two aspects provide a definítion of a regiona:l aproach, i.e.: - regional self-sufficiency in energy where preference is given to Latin American countries in the export 01' import of the various energy sources; action as a bloc in dealing with the rest of the world through UNCTAD, the New International Economic Order or other forums. Without offering a defense of national and regional self-sufficiency in energy, 1 wilI offer sorne ideas on the resource base for such self– sufficiency, and on the institutions which' at a regionaJ and interna– tional level, may develop the necessary political dialogue or undertake or support research and development (R 8G D) in the energy field. ENERGY PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION IN LATIN AMERICA 1975/76 Energy SOUTce Energy (million tons petroleum equivalent) PToduction Consumption Coal 9 11 Petroleum 228 1M Gas 80 54 Hydroelectricity 40 40 Fuel wood 41 41 Total 398 260 Difference - 2 + 94 + 46 +138 Source: J. W. Mullen, "Energy in Latín America: the Hbtoncal Recozd ud luture penpectiVeI". CU'AL CUadlrllQl, Santiago, 1978. 241